Blogmas Day 8: To EdD or Not to EdD?

Today definitely got away from me…blogging for twelve days straight is hard! I had a pretty low-key day of invoicing, getting my haircut, lunching with friends, and winding down – Hey! A lady has gotta relax when she’s on vacation!

It only seemed logical to continue my relaxation with some heavy decisions…

This past year, I was accepted to pursue my Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Western Ontario, but I deferred for a year because 1) I’m somewhat indecisive, 2) I’d like to iron out my research interests a bit, and 3) 2016 was BUSY.

Why not a PhD?

No one outside of myself has asked this question yet, but here’s the reason – The main differentiating factor between a PhD and an EdD is that with a PhD, you’re conducting your own research. The EdD can be based on existing research. For the purpose of satisfying my research interests, I would prefer to base my research on existing research…because GIRL, I don’t have the time or wherewithal to conduct my own research and there are a ton of incredible folks out there conducting very relevant research that will help me with my own research. It sounds a little inception-esque, I know.

What are my research interests?

I won’t disclose of those until I dive deep into the program (if and when I do), just know that they’re drenched in concepts of online learning/instructional design/e-learning development.

So what’s the hold up?

• It’s a pretty intense 3-year program, and I’m not sure if I want to commit to doing something so intense just yet.
• There’s a cost associated, so that’s always a consideration.
• I have some concerns over the time commitment – when I was completing my graduate degree, I was also working full-time and had zero social life. I’d like to still maintain some semblance of a social life/be able to vacation and attend conferences…I’m also working full-time at the university and almost full-time with my independent work. There are only 24 hours in each day!
• A big concern I have is related to the post-concussion syndrome I’m now working through. My husband has assured me that I shouldn’t let that deter me, and ultimately I won’t, but I still haven’t figured out how to optimize my new brain for efficiency when it comes to information processing and memory.

Regardless of how many excuses I can make for myself, I need to make a decision between now and June 2017.